Nucleoplasty

What is it?
It is a procedure performed to reduce a contained herniated disk.  The procedure provides relief of buttock and leg pain that is related to the contained herniated disk that has not improved with other non-surgical treatments.    

How is it done?
Local anesthesia and IV sedation help reduce discomfort during the procedure.  The procedure is done under x-ray guidance.  A needle is advanced into the disk.  A device is then introduced through the needle, which creates a series of channels and thermally treats the tissue.  The device is then slowly withdrawn while sealing the new channel. 

How long does it take?
The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes with an additional 30 to 45 minutes of recovery time. 

Preparing for your procedure:
Please complete the pre-procedure pain diagram form and bring this form with you the day of your procedure.  Include a list of any and all medications you are currently taking.

If you have had an MRI, CT scan or other films, please bring copies with you.  Without films, the physician will NOT perform the procedure.

You must have a driver accompany you on the day of your procedure.  You will receive IV sedation for the procedure.  If a driver is unavailable, the procedure will be canceled per hospital policy.   We must be able to contact your driver before, during and after your procedure either by phone or pager (pagers are available at the Short Stay Unit front desk…please ask).

Plan to be at the hospital up to 3 hours.  Please do not bring young children with you.

If you live more than 4 hours from Annapolis, we recommend you stay in town overnight.  Please call 1- 800-952-7246 for hotel information.

The day of your procedure:
On the day of your procedure, report directly to the Short Stay Unit on the second floor of the Acute Care Pavilion at least one hour prior to your scheduled appointment time for registration.  Please bring your insurance information with you. 

Please do not eat or drink for at least 4 hours prior to the procedure.  A snack will be provided after the procedure.

You may take pain medication up to 2 hours prior to the exam time with a sip of water.  If you receive pain medication by a skin patch, you must call the nurses at 443-481-1385 for further instructions.  You may bring your pain medication with you to take after the procedure. 

If you are DIABETIC:
If your exam is before 12 noon, do not eat or take any diabetic medication before the procedure.  Bring your medication with you.

If your exam is 12 noon or after, please eat breakfast before 7:00 am and take your diabetes pill or ½ your morning dose of insulin.  Bring your medication with you.

Other MEDICATIONS:
Please take all of your routinely prescribed medications the day of the procedure including blood pressure, heart, thyroid pills, etc. 

NOTE: If you take BLOOD THINNERS OR ANTIPLATLET medications (examples: Coumadin, Heparin. Plavix or Lovenox) please contact the prescribing physician to discuss your risk of stopping these medications for your test/procedure.  We REQUIRE that Coumadin is stopped for 5 days prior to your test/procedure, and that Plavix is stopped for 7 days prior to your test/procedure.   Please call 443-481-1385 for further instructions or if you have questions about your medications.    YOUR PROCEDURE WILL BE CANCELED IF THESE MEDICATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN STOPPED. 

You must be healthy the day of the exam.  You cannot have a fever, infection, sore throat or cough.   Please call 443-481-1385 Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm; leave a message and one of the nurses will call you back to discuss your possible illness.

There you will be seen by Dr. Thompson or Dr. Eckel before the procedure to discuss your condition, x-rays, and purpose of the test.

After the procedure:
You will be given written discharge instructions before you leave and the procedure performed will be explained to you and your driver.   Specific post-procedure activity instructions will be reviewed; including NO driving for 3 days and restrictions on lifting, sitting and returning to work. The films you brought with you will be returned upon your discharge.   

Your referring physician will receive a dictated report from Dr. Thompson or Dr. Eckel 8 to 10 days following your visit.

If you are in physical therapy, check with your referring physician before resuming treatment.  Dr. Thompson or Dr. Eckel recommend delaying physical therapy for several weeks. 

If you have any questions regarding your procedure, please call the nurses at 443-481-1385.